This is the blog of China defense, where professional analysts and serious defense enthusiasts share findings on a rising military power.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

The new adventures of old Jianghu

Recent Internet rumors and photos are suggesting that the old Jianghu I and II are being withdrawn from combat patrols. Some are them are being sold to Bangladesh and Burma, others have their front pair of 37mm mounts replaced by Heavy MG more suitable for anti-piracy and fishery patrols in the South China Sea. Other noticeable patrol centric modifications include two SATCOM antennas, new cranes for the rubber dinghies and extra cameras on top of the bridge.

FFG534, FFG553 and FFG555, the three known South China Sea modified Jianghu Is,

FFG 544, the sole member of the JiangHu IV class -- withdrawn
from service in 2010 and has been enjoying her new life as a training ship for the Chinese Naval
Academy in Qingdao.

The younger JiangHu Vs are being converted into SSM trucks.

Sunday, February 06, 2011

JiangHu V Class FFG, Two-Point-O.

Recent pictures reveal that several upgrades have been completed on the
last batch of Type 053H1G FFG (also known as Jianghu V class) that
entered service in the 1990s with the South Sea Fleet. Those upgrades
are suggesting that all six Jianghu V class FFGs will remain in service
with the PLAN for the foreseeable future.

The latest improvements include new air-search and fire-control radars,
new twin 100mm main gun turrets to replace the old models, the addition
of 37mm CIWS mounts, and the replacement of Silkworms with YJ-83
anti-ship missiles.

The reasoning behind the latest upgrade of a rather obsolete class of
frigates has been the subject of speculation on CDF. Some suggest that
recent upgrades signify the immaturity of newer vessels' design, while
others argue that even though the 053 is obsolete, it remains a
cost-effective and potent platform against weaker potential rivals in
the South China Sea. This author is highly skeptical of the "technology
immaturity" speculation; the rapid pace of 054A construction should have
erased any doubt by now about the "maturity" of the PLAN's new
generation of FFGs. The latter speculation is a far more likely
possibility. The commitment of modern surface combatants to the Gulf of
Aden and the uptick in regional maritime disputes has increased the
necessity for a stop-gap measure for effective littoral patrol until the
new Type 056 corvettes enter service. *